Matthew Mitcham's Gets First Sponsor!

Local News, By hazyinseptember, 6th February, 2009

Matthew Mitcham has finally secured his first corporate sponsorship deal – a year long contract with Telstra. He’s described it to The Courier Mail as as “relief”, given all the recent talk about his so called ‘sponsorship drought’.

Matthew says that the lack of sponsorship is more likely due to the state of our economy at the moment.

“If I can get the opportunity where I would be able to train without having to worry about paying the bills, that would be the ultimate goal,” says Mitcham. He’s been tight lipped about the dollar value of the deal, but it will be enough to get him through his current training schedule in preparation for London 2012.

Mitcham recently graced the cover of US gay magazine The Advocate, and will also be the chief of parade for the 2009 Mardi Gras.

When recently asked about coming out at 14, Mitcham admitted that he was bullied at school but adds, “I was just so open with [my sexuality] that everybody knew. It was … no fun to call somebody a homo who really is a homo.”

Your Thoughts

andrewesmitt

said ages ago

the towel one is my favourite

velvety

said ages ago

Must say i cannot pick a fave...he looks really cute in all of em!!!

robbie

said ages ago

Nice one Telstra.. all you other Aussie brands should be ashamed of yourselves for not supporting this champion

Cameron M

said ages ago

Robbie, I'm sure they will be once they realise how he'll lift their profile :)

schall1976

said ages ago

I work for Telstra and with the support of other members of our Telstra GLBT diversity group "Spectrum" was one of the people who put Matthew forward as a potential Telstra ambassador. I'm proud to work here and have the support of a leadership who wold make this decision when other companies might not be so brave.

Travis de Jonk

said ages ago

I'm just glad he got a decent sponsor worthy of his achievements rather than becoming a glorified underwear model. Good on his management, good on Telstra, and most importantly, Good on ya Matt!!

musicman

said ages ago

Yay Schall!

jal_goh

said ages ago

rob - luckily Telstra is 51% still australian! lol I hope he gets some sporting brands sponsorship.

peterr3445w

said ages ago

Why on earth did it take so long? Matthew is clearly one of the most attractive and marketable young men in Australia today!

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